Apparatus and methods for remote monitoring of flow conduits

Abstract

A system for monitoring at least one parameter of interest relating to a flow conduit having a through passage and a fluid flow therein comprises at least one measurement station coupled to the flow conduit for taking a measurement relating to the parameter of interest. An interrogation device is adapted to move proximate the measurement station and to transmit a first signal to the measurement station, and to receive a second signal from the measurement station relating to the parameter of interest. The measurement station receives power from the first signal.

Description

[0001] Not applicable[0002] Not applicable[0003] 1. Field of the Invention[0004] This invention relates to remote monitoring of flow conduits, such as pipelines and wellbores, and more particularly to a system of self-contained measurement stations for measuring parameters of interest of the flow conduit and transmitting the measurements to a mobile interrogation device.[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art[0006] Fluid conduits such as pipelines and aqueducts extend for tens, hundreds, or thousands of kilometers and may be used to transport liquids, gases, slurries or combinations thereof. Such conduits may have multiple sections that run above or below ground. Sections may be run underground to avoid natural obstacles such as rivers or simply as a safety precaution. Other sections may be run above ground depending on the topography and underlying strata. Sensing stations are commonly located at major features, such as pumping station that may be separated by tens or hundreds of ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system for monitoring parameters of interest in flow conduits, such as pipelines and wellbores, using remotely interrogated measurement stations. These stations are placed along the conduit to measure things like mechanical strain, crack initiation and propagation, temperature, acceleration, and flowing fluid properties. The system uses a mobile interrogation device that passes proximate the measurement stations and transmits and receives signals to and from them. The invention allows for more measurements to be made along the conduit without the need for additional power and signal lines, which is cost-prohibitive. The system can be used in various applications, such as monitoring oil and gas pipelines and wellbores.

Problems solved by technology

However, due to the relatively large separation of these stations, conditions that may be indicative of potential problems or failures may go undetected until they become so great as to cause a catastrophic event, such as for example a substantial leak that may be a serious environmental problem.

The very nature of the length and location of such conduits, however, make the distribution of power and signal lines to multiple measurement stations substantially impractical and cost prohibitive.

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